School supplies needed for students

Another school year starting up means shopping for school supplies. But for many local children, backpacks, binders and marker sets just aren’t in the budget.

“With today’s tough economy, we have an increased number that participate in Salvation Army services,” Dana Weisman, a case manager for the agency, told the Budgeteer. “There are hardships on families to pay for food and bills, with little money left over for school supplies.”

In the Northland, there are many school supply drives and collections going on now, making it easy for people to donate and ensure that all students receive the supplies they need to start off their school year on the right foot.

CHUM Adopt-a-Backpack Event

CHUM will be working with the Duluth school district to ensure that school supplies and backpacks are provided for children in need.

For the kindergarten to fifth- grade group, make an $18 donation, or fill a backpack with the following supplies: 3 wide ruled notebooks, a pair of scissors, 6 pencils, a box of markers, a box of crayons, 2 glue sticks, and 3 pocket folders.

For the sixth to 12th-grade group, make a $20 donation, or fill a backpack with the following: 6 pencils, 3 pens, a 3-ring binder, 3 college ruled notebooks, a pack of college ruled loose leaf paper, and 3 pocket folders.

According to Meg Kearns, director of distributive services for CHUM, the most needed items are 3-ring binders, washable markers, and kid’s scissors.

Donations will be accepted up until the start of school between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays. CHUM is located at 120 N. First Ave. W. For more information, contact CHUM at (218) 720-6521.

School Supply Fair

Tuesday, Aug. 21 is the school supply fair at the Central Administration Building at the 3rd St. entrance from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. or until supplies are gone.

According to Meg Kearns, Director of Distributive Services for CHUM, the supplies are handed out on a first come, first serve basis. Parents are required to show I.D.’s for each of the children who are receiving supplies.

Union Gospel Mission

The Union Gospel Mission accepts cash donations and school supply donations through Aug. 31. People can either bring the supplies to 219 E. 1st Street or can arrange for home pickup.

According to Client Services Manager Kerri Hauser, items critically needed are 2-pocket folders, washable markers, colored pencils, erasers, bottled glue and pencil sharpeners.

Parents can sign up to receive school supplies Aug. 13 through the 27 between 9 and 11 a.m. at the Union Gospel Mission. Supplies will be distributed to parents on Sept. 4 and all parents must show I.D.’s for each child.

MCCU – “Stuff the Bus”

People can bring new school supplies or donate funds to any of the Member’s Cooperative Credit Union branches. The Duluth locations are at 215 N. 40th Ave. W. and 1600 Miller Trunk Hwy.

According to marketing director Lara Wilkinson, the school supply donations will be forwarded to the Duluth and Cloquet Salvation Armies.

“The donations stay in our area communities, so when people donate supplies, they are really helping out their friends and neighbors,” she said.

Kuts for Kids

The Salvation Army and Cosmetology Careers Unlimited are once again hosting Kuts for Kids on Aug. 27 at CCU, 121 W. Superior St.

All cuts will be done by a licensed stylist and students and head checks will be done prior to cutting.

As of Aug. 13, 38 haircut spots are left. Call (218) 722-7934 ext. 101 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to register for your appointment. Spots will continue to fill up quickly, so call today.

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